Operation panel structure and control method and control apparatus for mixing system

ABSTRACT

As viewed from the front of an operation panel, adjustment sections for individual input channels are positioned on the operation panel close to a human operator, and a display, a control section for setting an equalizer process, compressor process etc. for one selected channel and a signal delivery control section for setting signal delivery to mixing buses for the selected channel are positioned in a horizontal row remotely from the human operator. Operators in the delivery control section are varied in function in accordance with a selected operation mode. For example, in a mix send mode, a plurality of rotary operators are set to function as send level adjustment operators for the respective input channels so as to adjust send levels to a given mixing bus, while, in a mix master mode, the rotary operators are set to function as output gain adjustment operators for the respective mixing buses.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/084,386, filed on Mar. 29, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/909,689, filed on Oct. 21, 2010, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,331,801, issued on May 3, 2016, which is a divisional of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/738,262, filed on Dec. 16, 2003, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,933,422, issued on Apr. 26, 2011, the entire disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an operation panel structure suitablefor use in a mixing system having a multiplicity of monitoring signalchannels, mixing system, mixing system control method and apparatus, anda computer program for mixing system control.

In recent years, the use of digital mixing systems has been getting moreand more popular, particularly in commercial-use sound equipment. In atypical example of the known digital mixing systems, sound signalspicked up by microphones or the like are all converted into digitalsignals and subjected to mixing processing in an engine composed of aDSP array, etc. Processed sound signals output from the digital mixingsystem include not only signals to be delivered into a concert hall orother place, but also monitoring signals to be delivered to individualhuman players or performers. Particularly, in an ensemble performanceconcert or the like, demands and requirements for the monitoring signalsvariously differ among the performers, so that there has been a need tosupply different monitoring signals to the individual performers inaccordance with the respective demands of the performers. An improvedmixing system has been known which is capable of outputting monitoringsignals of dozens of channels to satisfy performer-specific demands.Such an improved mixing system capable of outputting of monitoringsignals of a multiplicity of channels is disclosed, for example, in“CSID Control Surface Instruction Manual”, published by YamahaCorporation, December, 2000. Another improved type of digital mixer isknown, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,501.

In the case where monitoring signals of a multiplicity of channels areto be output from the mixing system, a human operator of the mixingsystem has to set mixing conditions of individual monitoring signals inaccordance with demands of individual performers, which often tends tobe quite heavy burdens on the human operator. Therefore, it is desirablethat various panel operators be positioned or arranged on a consolepanel surface of the mixer in such a manner as to allow the humanoperator to readily manipulate the panel operators; however, it canhardly be said that sufficient consideration for facilitating themanipulation of the panel operators has been made in the conventionalmixer apparatus. For example, in the conventional mixer apparatus, inputoperators for adjusting input levels to individual mixing buses arearranged in a vertical direction (vertical rows) in the order of inputchannel numbers while output operators for adjusting output levels ofthe individual mixing buses are arranged in a horizontal direction(horizontal rows) in the order of input channel numbers, and such anoperator arrangement would present the problem that the panel operatorsare very inconvenient to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention toprovide an improved operation panel structure suitable for use in amixing system, an improved mixing system and improved mixing systemcontrol method and apparatus which permit efficient setting of mixingstates or conditions of signals of a multiplicity of channels and cansignificantly reduce burdens on a human operator.

In order to accomplish the above-described object, the present inventionprovides the following novel arrangements; numerals in parentheses belowindicate reference numerals representing various elements used inembodiments to be later described, for reference purposes and tofacilitate understanding.

The present invention provides an operation panel structure of a mixingsystem including a plurality of input channels, a plurality of mixingbuses (32) for mixing output signals of the individual input channelsand a plurality of output channel sections (36) provided incorresponding relation to the mixing buses (32). The operation panelstructure of the present invention comprises: an input channel section(500) including faders (524) for controlling attenuation rates of theindividual input channels, ON/OFF switches (520) for controllingrespective ON/OFF states of the individual input channels, and channelselection switches (516) for selecting any one of the input channels; aselected channel control section (300) including an equalizer section(430) for setting contents of an equalizer process for the one inputchannel selected via any one of the channel selection switches, acompressor section (400) for setting contents of a compressor processfor the selected one input channel, and an attenuation operator (312)for setting an attenuation rate for the selected one input channel; asignal delivery control section (200) including a plurality of leveloperators for controlling send levels, to the plurality of mixing buses(32), of the selected one input channel, and a plurality of ON/OFF statesetting operators (216) for controlling an ON/OFF state of signaldelivery, to the plurality of mixing buses, of the selected one inputchannel; and a display (720) capable of showing a plurality of displayscreens including at least a screen for controlling characteristics ofthe individual input channels. As viewed from the front of the operationpanel, the input channel section (500) is positioned on the operationpanel close to a human operator, and the display (720), the selectedchannel control section (300) and the signal delivery control section(200) are positioned in a row and in the order mentioned remotely fromthe human operator.

Such an inventive operation panel structure is schematically shown, forexample, in FIG. 2. Because the selected channel control section (300)is located adjacent to the display (720), contents of settings ofvarious parameters etc., made through operation of the selected channelcontrol section (300) can be readily visually recognized via theadjacent display (720) graphically displaying the settings, whichtherefore achieves enhanced convenience of use of the inventiveoperation panel structure. Further, because the signal delivery controlsection (200) is separated from and independent of the selected channelcontrol section (300), the various operators in the signal deliverycontrol section (200) are easy for the human operator to view andmanipulate.

The present invention also provides a mixing system, which comprises: aplurality of input channel adjustment sections (30) for adjustingsignals of a plurality of input channels; a plurality of mixing buses(32) for mixing output signals of the individual input channeladjustment sections (30); a plurality of output channel sections (36)provided in corresponding relation to the mixing buses (32); an inputchannel section including faders (524) for controlling attenuation ratesof the individual input channels, ON/OFF switches (520) for controllingrespective ON/OFF states of the individual input channels, and channelselection switches (516) for selecting any one of the input channels; aplurality of signal delivery control sections (200) provided incorresponding relation to the plurality of output channels, each of thesignal delivery control sections including a level operator (218) forcontrolling a level of the corresponding output channel, an ON/OFF statesetting operator (216) for controlling an ON/OFF state of thecorresponding output channel, and a channel selection switch (222) forselecting the corresponding output channel; a selected channel controlsection (300) including an equalizer section (430) for setting contentsof an equalizer process for the one input or output channel selected viaany one of the channel selection switches, a compressor section (400)for setting contents of a compressor process for the selected one inputor output channel, and an attenuation operator (312) for setting anattenuation rate for the selected one input or output channel; and anoperation mode setting operator (202, 204) for setting the signaldelivery control section to either a first operation mode or a secondoperation mode. When the first operation mode is selected, each of thelevel operators (218) is set to function as an operator for adjusting anoutput level from the selected channel to the mixing bus (32)corresponding to the level operator (218), and the ON/OFF state settingoperator (216) corresponding to the level operator (218) is set tofunction as an operator for setting an ON/OFF state of signal deliveryfrom the selected one input channel to the mixing bus (32) correspondingto the level operator (218). When the second operation mode is selected,on the other hand, each of the level operators (218) is set to functionas an operator for adjusting an output level from the output channelsection (36) corresponding to the level operator (218), and the ON/OFFstate setting operator (216) corresponding to the level operator is setto function as an operator for setting an ON/OFF state of signaldelivery from the output channel section (36) corresponding to theON/OFF state setting operator (216).

In the inventive mixing system, the same signal delivery control section(200) is shared, in response to selection of the first operation mode orsecond operation mode, for control of send levels, to the mixing buses,of the individual input channels (first operation mode) and outputmaster volume control of the output channels corresponding to the mixingbuses (second operation mode). Thus, the present invention can not onlysignificantly simplify the operation panel structure, but also allowsthe same operators to be shared for the send level control (firstoperation mode) and the output master volume control (second operationmode). As a result, the present invention allows the human operator toreadily recognize correspondency between the various operators and themixing buses, thereby achieving enhanced convenience of use of theoperation panel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda mixing system which executes an algorithm for supplying signals of aplurality of input channels to a plurality of mixing buses (32-1-32-24)and outputting a mixed result of each of the mixing buses, whichcomprises: an operation mode setting operator (202, 204) for setting anoperation mode; and a gain adjustment operator (218) that, when a firstoperation mode is selected via the operation mode setting operator (202,204), adjusts gains of signals to be supplied from one selected inputchannel to the plurality of mixing buses (32), while, when a secondoperation mode is selected via the operation mode setting operator,adjusts gains of signals to be outputted from the plurality of mixingbuses.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a mixing system control method for executing an algorithm forsupplying signals of a plurality of input channels to a plurality ofmixing buses (32) via corresponding input channel adjustment sections(30-1-30-24) and outputting the signals, mixed via the individual mixingbuses (32), as signals of a plurality of output channels via outputchannel sections (36-1-36-24) corresponding to the mixing buses. Themixing system control method of the present invention comprises: asetting channel selection step of (e.g., depression of a MIX busselection key 109-k for) selecting one mixing bus (32-k) to be subjectedto adjustment from among the plurality of mixing buses (32); a step ofadjusting send levels from the individual input channel adjustmentsections (30-1-30-24) to the selected one mixing bus (32-k), via sendlevel adjustment operators (e.g., rotary encoders 514 in a normal mode)provided in corresponding relation to the input channels; a monitoringchannel selection step of (e.g., depression of CUE keys 224, 526, etc.for) selecting, as a monitoring signal, a signal of any one of the inputchannel adjustment sections or the output channel sections; and aninterlocking step of, when the one mixing bus (32-k) is selected by thesetting channel selection step, selecting the signal of the outputchannel section (36-k) corresponding to the selected one mixing bus(32-k) in an interlocked relation to selection, by the setting channelselection step, of the one mixing bus.

According to the mixing system control method of the present invention,the signal of the output channel section (36-k) corresponding to theselected mixing bus (32-k) is selected as the monitoring signal in aninterlocked relation to the selection, by the setting channel selectionstep of the desired mixing bus (e.g., by depression of the MIX busselection key 109-k). Thus, the present invention can dispense withparticular monitoring channel selection operation (e.g., operation of aCUE key), thereby simplifying necessary monitoring operation.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a mixing system control method for executing an algorithm forsupplying signals of a plurality of input channels to a plurality ofmixing buses (32-1-32-24) via corresponding input channel adjustmentsections (30-1-30-24) and outputting the signals, mixed via theindividual mixing buses (32-1-32-24), as signals of a plurality ofoutput channels via output channel sections (36-1-36-24) correspondingto the mixing buses. The mixing system control method of the inventioncomprises: an adjustment step of adjusting a frequency characteristicfor one selected channel by means of a selected channel control section(300); a setting channel selection step of (e.g., depression of a SELkey 222, 516 for) selecting a channel to be subjected to adjustment bythe adjustment step, from among the input channels or the outputchannels; a monitoring channel selection step of (e.g., depression of aCUE key 224, 526 for) selecting, as a monitoring signal, a signal of anyone of the input channel adjustment sections or the output channelsections, and an interlocking selection step of, when any one channel isselected by the monitoring channel selection step, selecting the onechannel, as the channel to be subjected to the adjustment by theselected channel control section (300), in an interlocked relation toselection of the one channel by the monitoring channel selection step.

The following will describe embodiments of the present invention, but itshould be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to thedescribed embodiments and various modifications of the invention arepossible without departing from the basic principles. The scope of thepresent invention is therefore to be determined solely by the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For better understanding of the object and other features of the presentinvention, its preferred embodiments will be described hereinbelow ingreater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a general hardware setup of a mixingsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic top plan view showing an overall appearance of anoperation panel employed in the mixing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a mixing algorithmexecuted in a signal processing section etc. shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing principal portions of the mixingalgorithm;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view showing an example of a bus selection sectionshown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view showing an example of a bus operator sectionshown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view showing an example construction of a halfportion of a selected channel control section shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view showing an example construction of the otherhalf portion of the selected channel control section shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view showing an example of an input channel stripsection shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view showing an example of an assigned channelstrip section shown in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a control program executedby a CPU of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 1. Hardware Setup of Embodiment

Now, a description will be made about an example general hardware setupof a mixing system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention, with reference to FIG. 1.

The mixing system of FIG. 1 includes an operation panel 2, which hasvarious displays and operators (panel operators) provided thereon.Examples of the panel operators on the operation panel 2 include aplurality of electric faders, rotary encoders, keys, etc. When any oneof the electric faders has been operated by a human operator, a currentoperating state of the operated electric fader is output via a bus 7.Similar operations take place when any one of the rotary encoders or anyone of the keys has been operated by the human operator.

When an operation command has been supplied via the bus 7 to any one ofthe electric faders, that electric fader is automatically set to apredetermined operating position. In contrast to the electric faders,the rotary encoder and keys are not driven automatically via anoperation command. Each of the keys has an LED built therein to indicatea current ON/OFF state of the key. Display elements are provided neareach of the rotary encoders for displaying an operated amount of therotary encoder. In some cases, an illuminating state of the LED built ina particular one of the keys is set automatically via the bus 7.

The display elements provided near each of the rotary encoders may be aplurality of LEDs positioned circularly around the rotary encoder (see,for example, rotary encoder 312 of FIG. 7), or eight-segment LEDspositioned near the rotary encoder (e.g., display elements 324corresponding to the rotary encoder 326 of FIG. 7). In each case, thesedisplay elements can automatically indicate a current operated amount ofthe corresponding rotary encoder. Detailed structure of the operationpanel 2 will be described later.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the mixing system of FIG. 1 includes awaveform I/O section 4, which performs input/output of analog or digitalsound signals. In the instant embodiment, mixing processing, effectprocessing, etc. of various sound signals are all carried out in adigital manner. However, in many cases, sound signals input to themixing system from the outside and sound signals to be output to theoutside are analog signals. Therefore, any desired one or more of cardshaving various functions are inserted, as necessary, in the waveform I/Osection 4; among the various functions of the cards are microphone-levelanalog input, line-level analog input, digital input, analog output anddigital output. Necessary conversion processes can be performed by thesecards. A portion of the analog outputs can be audibly reproduced orsounded via a monitor device 16 for the human operator.

The mixing system also includes a signal processing section 6 which isin the form of a group of DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). The signalprocessing section 6 performs mixing processing and effect processing ondigital sound signals supplied via the waveform I/O section 4, and itoutputs processed results to the waveform I/O section 4. Referencenumeral 8 represents another I/O section, which transmits and receivesother information, such as a time code, to and from various externalequipment. Note that the instant embodiment can remote-control theexternal equipment via the other I/O section 8. Reference numeral 10represents a CPU, which controls various components of the mixing systemvia the bus 7 on the basis of control programs to be later described.Flash memory 12 includes a program area 12 a where the above-mentionedcontrol programs are stored. RAM 14 is used as a working memory for theCPU 10.

A set of settings of the mixing system corresponding to a given state ofa stage or the like is called a “scene”. In the instant embodiment ofthe mixing system, contents of a current scene is stored in a currentscene area 14 a of the RAM 14. The stored contents of the current scenearea 14 a can also be stored into a scene area 12 b of the flash memory12 or other storage device, as necessary. The scene area 12 b is capableof storing contents of a plurality of scenes. Thus, at the time of astage change, the human operator can reproduce any necessary scene inthe current scene area by simple one-touch operation.

2. Construction of Mixing Algorithm in the Embodiment

The following paragraphs describe contents of an algorithm implementedin the signal processing section 6 etc., with reference to FIG. 3.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 22 represents an analog input section,which, upon receipt of a microphone-level or line-level analog soundsignal, converts the analog sound signal into a digital sound signal andsupplies the digital sound signal to the signal processing section 6.Reference numeral 24 represents a digital input section, which, uponreceipt of a digital sound signal, converts the digital sound signalinto an internal format of the signal processing section 6. 44represents an analog output section, which converts a digital soundsignal, supplied from the signal processing section 6, into an analogsound signal and outputs the analog sound signal to the outside. 46represents a digital output section, which converts a digital soundsignal of the internal format, supplied from the signal processingsection 6, into a digital sound signal of a predetermined format(AES/EBU, ADAT, TASCAM or the like) and outputs the thus-converteddigital sound signal to the outside. Monitoring analog output section 49converts a supplied sound signal into an analog sound signal andsupplied the converted analog signal to the monitor device 16 for thehuman operator.

Whereas the above-described arrangements are implemented by the waveformI/O section 4, which is separate hardware from the signal processingsection 6, and various cards inserted in the waveform I/O section 4,other arrangements than the above-described are implemented by programsrunning in the signal processing section 6. Reference numeral 30represents input channel adjustment sections, which perform adjustmentof sound volume, sound quality, etc. on up to 48 input channels on thebasis of operation of the electric faders and operators provided on theoperation panel 2. Input patch section 28 allocates digital soundsignals, supplied via a plurality of input ports of the input sections22 and 24, to given input channels of the input channel adjustmentsections 30. Built-in internal effecter 26 performs effect processing onsound signals of up to eight channels and supplies resultanteffect-processed sound signals via the input patch section 28 to theinput channel adjustment sections 30.

Reference numeral 32 represents a MIX bus group, which comprises 24channels of MIX buses 32-1-32-24 (see FIG. 4). In each of the MIX buses32-1-32-24, digital sound signals of the individual input channels aremixed. In each of the input channels, it can be set, for each of the MIXbuses, whether or not the sound signal should be supplied to the MIXbuses 32-1-32-24. If the sound signal should be supplied to the MIXbuses 32-1-32-24, send (i.e., signal delivery) levels to the MIX buses32-1-32-24 can also be set independently on the channel-by-channelbasis. Reference numeral 36 represents MIX output channel sections,which perform level adjustment and sound quality adjustment on the mixedresults output from these MIX buses 32-1-32-24. Output patch section 42allocates the adjusted results of the MIX output channel sections 36 tothe output sections 44 and 46 or given output ports of the internaleffecter 26.

As will be later described in detail, the operation panel 2 includes CUEkeys provided at various positions thereof for giving an instruction asto whether a sound signal corresponding to user's operation should bemonitored. 34 represents a CUE bus, which mixes sound signals at aposition where the CUE key has been turned on and outputs the mixedresults as CUE signals. Monitoring selector 38 selects a monitoringposition separate from the CUE bus 34. The above-mentioned CUE signalsand monitoring signals selected by the monitoring selector 38 arefurther mixed by a monitoring mixer 40, and the mixed results of themonitoring mixer 40 are output via a monitoring analog output section49.

Next, a description will be made about an algorithmic construction inthe input channel adjustment sections 30 and MIX output channel sections36, with reference to FIG. 4. In the figure, reference numeral 30-1represents a first one of the input channel adjustment sections 30(i.e., first input channel adjustment section), which performs soundquality and sound volume adjustment on the first input channel. 36-1represents a first one of the MIX output channel sections 36 (i.e.,first MIX output channel section), which performs sound quality andsound volume adjustment on the first MIX output channel.

The first channel adjustment section 30-1 includes a sound qualityadjustment section 52 which performs a limiter process, compressorprocess, equalizer process, etc. on the first input channel, and anON/OFF switching section 54 which switches between the ON and OFF statesof the entire first input channel. When the ON/OFF switching section 54is set in the OFF state, no sound signal is supplied to any of the MIXbuses 32-1-32-24.

The first channel adjustment section 30-1 also includes a sound volumeadjustment section 56 which adjusts the volume level of the first inputchannel. 60 represents a CUE ON/OFF switching section which determineswhether or not the sound signal should be supplied to the CUE bus 34.CUE signal switching section 58 selects, as a sound signal to be outputto the CUE bus 34 via the CUE ON/OFF switching section 60, one of a“pre-fade” sound signal before being subjected to the sound volumeadjustment by the sound volume adjustment section 56 and a “post-fade”sound signal after having been subjected to the sound volume adjustmentby the sound volume adjustment section 56.

The first input channel adjustment section 30-1 also includes MIX-bussignal switching sections 62-1-62-24, each of which selects one of thepre-fade and post-fade sound signals as a signal to be output to each ofthe MIX buses. Send level adjustment sections 64-1-64-24 each adjust asend level of the signal to be output to each of the corresponding MIXbus. Send ON/OFF switching sections 66-1-66-24 each turn on/off supplyof the sound signal to each of the MIX buses 32-1-32-24.

The first MIX output channel section 36-1 includes a sound qualityadjustment section 72, which performs a limiter process, compressorprocess, equalizer process, etc. on the first MIX output channel. ON/OFFswitching section 74 switches between the ON and OFF states of the firstMIX output channel. Sound volume adjustment section 76 adjusts an outputlevel of a sound signal of the MIX output channel. 80 represents a CUEON/OFF switching section which determines whether or not the soundsignal of the first MIX output channel section 36-1 should be suppliedto the CUE bus 34. CUE signal switching section 78 selects, as a soundsignal to be output to the CUE bus 34 via the CUE ON/OFF switchingsection 80, one of a pre-fade sound signal and post-fade sound signal.

The preceding paragraphs have described details of the algorithmicconstructions of only the first input channel adjustment section 30-1for the first input channel and the first MIX output channel section36-1 for the first MIX output channel. Although not specifically shown,similar input channel adjustment sections 30-2-30-24 and MIX outputchannel sections 36-2-36-24 are provided for the other input channelsand MIX output channels.

3. Construction of the Operation Panel 2

Now, an exemplary general setup of the operation panel 2 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 2. As shown in the top plan view ofFIG. 2, the operation panel 2 includes a bus selection section 100,which includes operators for selecting any one of the MIX buses32-1-32-24, etc. Bus operator section 200 includes operators for settingsend levels with which signals of the individual input channels are tobe sent to the MIX bus selected by the bus selection section 100, levelsof the individual sound volume adjustment sections 76 in the MIX outputchannel sections 36, etc. Selected channel control section 300 includesoperators for making specific settings of the sound quality adjustmentsection 52 or 72 for a selected one of the input channels or MIX outputchannels.

The operation panel 2 includes an input channel strip section 500, whichincludes a plurality of faders corresponding to the input-channel soundvolume adjustment sections 56, operators pertaining to the input channeladjustment sections 30, etc. Assigned channel strip section 600, whichincludes faders and other operators, performs operations correspondingto a function assigned thereto, such as input-channel sound volumeadjustment, MIX-output-channel sound volume adjustment or DAC-groupsound volume adjustment (to be later described). Level meters 710 and740 display levels of an input channel, MIX output channels, etc.

Reference numeral 720 represents a graphic display, which displaysgraphs of various characteristics etc. while the selected channelcontrol section 300 are making settings for a limiter process,compressor process, equalizer process, etc. Reference numeral 730represents a scene selection section, which allows the human operator toperform various operation, such as one for transferring stored contentsof the current scene area 14 a to the scene area 12 b and one forreproducing a scene, already stored in the scene area 12 b, in thecurrent scene area 14 a.

Reference numeral 750 represents a screen selection section, whichcontrols a screen to be displayed on the display section 720. Displayedcontents of the display 720 can be set, for example, to a compressorcharacteristic screen or equalizer characteristic screen when the humanoperator wants to make settings for the compressor process or equalizerprocess of the sound quality adjustment section 52, 72 or the like inthe selected channel control section 300. 760 represents a screencontrol section, which includes cursor keys for moving a cursor shown onthe display 720, pointing device, data inputting rotary encoder, enterkey, etc. 770 represents another control section, which includes variousother operators etc. than the above-mentioned.

Once predetermined operation is performed on the screen selectionsection 750, a “preference screen” to be used for customizing the mixingsystem is displayed on the display 720. On the preference screen, thereare displayed three buttons for turning on/off the following threeinterlocked functions. ON/OFF state of these buttons can be switched byoperation of the screen control section 760.

-   -   (1) Input-CUE Responding (Interlocking) Button: This button        selects an ON/OFF state of an input-CUE responding (or        interlocking) function for interlocking a SEL (i.e., selection)        key 516 to operation of a CUE key 526 provided in the input        channel strip section 500.    -   (2) Output-CUE Responding (Interlocking) Button: This button        selects an ON/OFF state of an input-CUE responding (or        interlocking) function for interlocking a SEL (i.e., selection)        key 222 to operation of a CUE key 224 provided in the bus        operator section 200.    -   (3) Bus-Selection Responding (Interlocking) Button: This button        selects an ON/OFF state of a bus-selection responding (or        interlocking) function for interlocking the CUE key 224 to        operation of the MIX bus selection key 109.

In the instant embodiment, either one of the input-CUE interlockingbutton and output-CUE interlocking button and the bus selectioninterlocking button can not be set to the ON state simultaneously.Namely, the input-CUE interlocking button and output-CUE interlockingbutton mentioned at items (1) and (2) above can be turned onsimultaneously, but are both automatically turned off as thebus-selection interlocking button mentioned at item (3) is turned on. Aseither one of the input-CUE interlocking button and output-CUEinterlocking buttons is turned on, the bus-selection interlocking buttonis automatically turned off. On the above-mentioned preference screen,there are displayed, in addition to the input CUE, output CUE andbus-selection interlocking buttons, a plurality of buttons forcontrolling ON/OFF states of functions of interlocking screens tooperation of various operators, displaying various checking dialoguesand warning dialogues, etc.

3.1. Bus Selection Section 100:

The following paragraphs describe principal parts of the operation panel2, starting with a detailed construction of the bus selection section100 shown in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 5, reference numerals 109-1-109-24 represent MIX bus selectionkeys, 24 MIX bus selection keys are provided in corresponding relationto the 24 channels of the MIX buses 32-1-32-24. These MIX bus selectionkeys 109-1-109-24 are operable to select, in a toggle-like fashion, aMIX bus to be operated (hereinafter, “to-be-operated MIX bus”) by arotary encoder 514, ON key 512 etc. provided in the input channel stripsection 500. In response to activation (turning-on operation) of one ofthe MIX bus selection keys 109-k corresponding to one of the MIX buses32-k other than the to-be-operated MIX bus, the MIX bus selection key109-k is illuminated, and the MIX bus 32-k is selected as a newto-be-operated MIX bus.

Thus, when a plurality of the MIX bus selection keys are sequentiallyturned on, only the MIX bus selection key 109-k corresponding to thelast turned-on MIX bus selection key 109-k is selected as theto-be-operated MIX bus. Also, as the MIX bus selection key 109-kcorresponding to the MIX bus 32-k already selected as the to-be-operatedMIX bus is turned off, the MIX bus selection key 109-k is turned off,i.e. deilluminated, and the bus selection section 100 is brought to anon-bus-selecting state where no to-be-operated MIX bus is selected. Thebus selection section 100 also includes an LED display 104, whichdisplays a specific number (any one of “1”-“24”) of the to-be-operatedMIX bus or a character string “- -” indicating the non-bus-selectingstate.

As will be later detailed, for the input channel strip section 500,there can be set in a selected one of four operation modes, “normalmode”, “FLIP mode”, “HA_REMOTE mode” and “PAN mode”. Details of theoperation modes will be described later. The bus selection section 100includes a FLIP key 102, HA_REMOTE key 106 and PAN key 108, which can beswitched between ON and OFF states of the “FLIP mode”, “HA_REMOTE mode”and “PAN mode” in a toggle-like fashion. The FLIP key 102, HA_REMOTE key106 and PAN key 108 each have an LED built therein so that the LED ofany one of the keys 102, 106, 108 is illuminated while the correspondingoperation mode is selected or ON. In this instance, each of the “FLIPmode”, “HA_REMOTE mode” and “PAN mode” can be turned ON exclusively;namely, once any one of the three operation modes is turned on byactivation of the corresponding key 102, 106 or 108, the other operationmodes are compulsorily turned off. When all of the three operation modesare in the OFF state, the input channel strip section 500 is set in thenormal mode. Selection of the to-be-operated MIX bus by any one of theMIX bus selection keys 109-1-109-24 is also permitted in the “HA_REMOTEmode” or “PAN mode”, and the result of the selection is reflected in theinput channel strip section 500 only when the strip section 500 is inthe normal mode or FLIP mode.

3.2. Input Channel Strip Section 500:

Detailed construction of the input channel strip section 500 will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 9. The input channel stripsection 500 includes “24” channel strips 510-1-510-24. In the instantembodiment, there are provided “48” input channels as noted earlier, andthese 48 input channels are divided into two layers, 24 channels perlayer. When either one of the layers has been selected, the 24 inputchannels belonging to the selected layer are assigned to the channelstrips 510-1-510-24 so that sound volumes etc. can be adjusted asdesired. Hereinafter, the input channels thus assigned to the individualchannel strips will be called “assigned input channels”. The channelstrips 510-1-510-24 are constructed in the same manner, and thus thefollowing paragraphs representatively describe detailed construction ofthe channel strip 510-1.

In the channel strip 510-1, the rotary encoder 514 functions as followson the basis of the operation mode selected. Specifically, in theoperation mode, the rotary encoder 514 functions as an operator forsetting a send level to the to-be-operated MIX bus (i.e., gain of thesend level adjustment sections 64-1-64-24 of FIG. 4). In the PAN mode,the rotary encoder 514 functions as an operator for adjusting panningbalance between the channels. In the HA_REMOTE mode, the rotary encoder514 functions as an operator for remote-controlling equipment connectedto the other I/O section 8. Further, in the FLIP mode, the rotaryencoder 514 functions as an operator for adjusting a level of theassigned input channels (i.e., gain of the sound volume adjustmentsection 56).

Further, in the channel strip 510-1, the ON key 512 functions as followson the basis of the operation mode selected. Specifically, in theoperation mode, the ON key 512 functions as a key for switching betweenthe ON and OFF states of signal delivery (“send”) to the to-be-operatedMIX bus (i.e., states of the MIX-bus signal switching sections62-1-62-24 of FIG. 4). In the FLIP mode, the ON key 512 functions as akey for switching between the ON and OFF states of the assigned inputchannel (i.e., state of the ON/OFF switching section 54 of FIG. 4). Inthe PAN mode, the ON key 512 does not function. In the HA_REMOTE mode,the ON key 512 functions as a key for remote-controlling an ON/OFF stateof a predetermined function of the equipment connected to the other I/Osection 8. The ON key 512 has an LED built therein, which is, in each ofthe operation modes, illuminated when the corresponding function isturned on but deilluminated when the corresponding function is turnedoff.

The SEL key 516 is a key for instructing that a channel to be operatedin the selected channel control section 300, bus operator section 200(mix send mode), etc. (hereinafter called a “selected channel”) be setas the assigned input channel. Although the SEL key 516 is provided ineach of the channel strips 510-1-510-24, the SEL key 516 in only one ofthe channel strips 510-1-510-24 can be selectively turned on. Thus, oncethe SEL key 516 is depressed to be set to the ON state in any one of thechannel strips 510-1-510-24, the SEL keys 516 in the other channelstrips are compulsorily turned off.

Further, in the input channel strip section 500, a display 518 displaysa name (four letters at the maximum) of the assigned input channel, andthe ON key 520 functions as follows on the basis of the operation modeselected. Specifically, in the FLIP mode, the ON key 520 functions as akey for switching between the ON and OFF states of “send” to theto-be-operated MIX bus (i.e., state of the MIX-bus signal switchingsections 62-1-62-24 of FIG. 4). In each of the other modes than the FLIPmode, the ON key 520 functions as a key for switching between the ON andOFF states of the assigned input channel (i.e., state of the ON/OFFswitching section 54 of FIG. 4). The ON key 520 too has an LED builttherein, which is illuminated when the corresponding function is turnedon but deilluminated when the corresponding function is turned off.

The input channel strip section 500 also includes an electric fader 524,which functions as follows on the basis of the operation mode selected.Specifically, in the FLIP mode, the electric fader 524 functions as anoperator for setting a send level to the to-be-operated MIX bus. In theother modes, the electric fader 524 functions as an operator foradjusting the level of the corresponding assigned input channel (i.e.,gain of the sound volume adjustment section 56 of FIG. 4). The CUE key526 switches between CUE ON and CUE OFF states of the assigned inputchannel. Once the CUE (i.e., selection of a monitoring channel) isturned on, the sound signal of the assigned input channel is supplied tothe CUE bus 34.

The CUE key 526 and other CUE keys (to be described later) can operatein two modes, “MIX_CUE mode” and “LAST_CUE mode”. The MIX_CUE mode is anoperation mode in which a plurality of CUE keys can be turned on andsound signals corresponding to the turned-on CUE keys are mixed via theCUE bus 34 and the mixed results are output as CUE signals. The LAST_CUEmode is an operation mode in which only a sound signal corresponding tothe last-turned-on CUE key is supplied to the CUE bus 34 and soundsignals corresponding to the other CUE keys are automatically set in theOFF state. Operator for selecting one of the MIX_CUE mode and LAST_CUEmode is provided in the above-mentioned other control section 770.

When the input-CUE interlocking function is in the ON state and once theCUE key 526 of any one of the channel strips 510-1-510-24 is turned onin the LAST_CUE mode, the corresponding SEL key 516 is also turned on inresponse to (i.e., in an interlocked relation to) the turned-on CUE key526. One of important features of the instant embodiment resides in thisarrangement. Namely, once the CUE key 526 of any one of the channelstrips 510-1-510-24 is operated to turn on while the LAST_CUE mode isselected, a current state of the assigned input channel corresponding tothe one channel strip is automatically reflected in the selected channelcontrol section 300. However, even when the SEL key 516 of any one ofthe channel strips 510-1-510-24 has been operated, the instantembodiment prevents the ON/OFF state of the CUE key 526 belonging to thesame channel strip from being interlocked to the operation of the SELkey 516.

Primary reason why the instant embodiment employs such an arrangement isas follows.

The human operator turns on the CUE key 526 of any one of the channelstrips 510-1-510-24 in the LAST_CUE mode when the human operator wantsto selectively monitor only the sound signal of the correspondingassigned input channel. It has been empirically ascertained that thehuman operator in most cases wants to selectively monitor only the soundsignal of a particular input channel when he or she wants to adjust thesound volume of the input channel, i.e. when he or she wants to set theinput channel as a “selected channel” in the selected channel controlsection 300.

Thus, the instant embodiment is constructed so that, if, in such a case,the human operator only activates the CUE key 526, it simultaneouslychanges a to-be-monitored channel selected via the CUE bus 34 to anotherand a to-be-operated channel to another in each of the selected channelcontrol section 300 and bus operator section 200 (mix send mode),thereby reducing the operating labor of the human operator. Further, thereason why the CUE key 52 is prevented from being interlocked to theoperation of the SEL key 516 is that there are many cases where theto-be-monitored channel selected via the CUE bus 34 should not bechanged even when the human operator has changed the to-be-operatedchannel to another in the selected channel control section 300. Oneexample of such cases is where the human operator wants to have a giveninput channel adjusted by the selected channel control section 300 whilemonitoring the overall sound quality and volume.

3.3. Assigned Channel Strip Section 600:

Next, a detailed construction of the assigned channel strip section 600will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

The assigned channel strip section 600 includes “8” (eight) channelstrips 630-1-630-8 which are constructed generally in the same manner.Various functions can be assigned to these channel strips 630-1-630-8.Mode in which different functions are assigned to these channel strips630-1-630-8 on a one-to-one basis is referred to as a “one fader mode”,and functions corresponding to a total of seven different “fader modes”can be assigned to the channel strips. Reference number 610 represents afader mode selection section, which allows the human operator to selectany one of the fader modes via keys 612-622 provided therein; any one ofthe keys can be activated or turned on by the human operator.

Examples of the functions (operation modes) assigned to the individualchannel strips include sound volume adjustment of the input channel(input channel mode), sound volume adjustment of the MIX output channel(MIX output channel mode), gain adjustment of the internal effecter 26(see FIG. 2) (effecter mode), DCA (Digital Controlled Amplifier orDigital Controlled Attenuator) level adjustment (DCA mode), etc. Thesound volume adjustment of the input channel can be performed in theabove-mentioned input channel strip section 500; however, such soundvolume adjustment can also be performed on the input channels belongingto the layer not currently selected, if the input channels are assignedto the channel strips 630-1-630-8.

In the instant embodiment, the bus operator section 200 includes rotaryencoders (as will be later detailed), and the sound volume adjustment ofthe individual MIX output channels can be carried out by such rotaryencoders. In addition, by allocating any of the MIX output channelsetc., having particularly high frequency of use, to any of the channelstrips, the instant embodiment can enhance the operability of thecorresponding MIX output channel.

The DCA (Digital Controlled Amplifier or Digital Controlled Attenuator)scheme employed in the instant embodiment is explained below. The DCAscheme is a technique where a same or common fader (DCA fader), separatefrom the faders of the input channels, is allocated to a plurality ofinput channels and where gains set by the faders of the individual inputchannels are multiplied by a gain set by the DCA fader so as todetermine respective gains of the plurality of input channels. The DCAmode is used primarily in sound volume control of a large-size musicalinstrument, such as a piano or drum, or a part of an orchestra.

In general, musical sounds performed by a piano or other large-sizemusical instrument are picked up by a plurality of microphones. Thesemicrophones are allocated to different input channels for balanceadjustment, and these input channels are allocated to a single DCAfader. Balance among the sound signals picked up by the individualmicrophones is adjusted via the faders of the input channels, and theoverall sound volume of the musical instrument is adjusted by the DCAfader.

Thus, if the function of any one of the channel strips 630-1-630-8 isassigned to the DCA, the level of an input channel belonging to a DCAgroup, i.e. level to be set in the sound adjustment section 56 (see FIG.4), is set to a result of multiplication between an operated amount of afader specific to the input channel and an operated amount of a DCAfader.

In the channel strip 630-1, a display 631 displays display a name (fourletters at the maximum) of an input channel assigned to the channelstrip 630-1. Reference numeral 632 represents a DCA_MUTE key, whichfunctions only when the operation mode is a DCA mode. Namely, once aDCA_MUTE key 632 is turned on in the DCA mode, the levels of the inputand output channels belonging to the DCA group (gain of the soundadjustment section 56) are all set to “0”.

The channel strip 630-1 includes an electric fader 634, which adjusts aDCA level, levels of the input and output channels, or the likedepending on the function assigned to the channel strip. In the otheroperation modes than the DCA mode, a CUE key 636 functions as a key forperforming ON/OFF control on supply, to the CUE bus 34, of outputsignals of the corresponding input and output channels or effecter. Inthe DCA mode, the CUE key 636 functions as a key for simultaneouslyperforming ON/OFF control of the CUE ON/OFF switching sections 60 (seeFIG. 4) of all the input channels belonging to the DCA group. Note thatthe other channel strips 630-2-630-8 provided in the assigned channelstrip section 600 are constructed similarly to the channel strip 630-1.

3.4. Selected Channel Control Section 300:

Next, details of the selected channel control section 300 will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. As illustrated in FIG. 7, theselected channel control section 300 includes an attenuator section,which performs attenuation, phase switching, insertion effectimpartment, etc. in the sound quality adjustment section 52 or 72 of theselected channel. Noise gate section 320 makes noise gate settings inthe sound quality adjustment section 52 or 72, and a level meter section340 displays a sound signal level of the selected channel.

The selected channel control section 300 also includes a channelselection section 350 which designates a selected channel; note that theselected channel can also be designated by the SEL key 516 of the inputchannel strip section 500, etc. Display 352 displays a channel number ofthe selected channel. INC (i.e., increment) key 354 increments thechannel number of the selected channel by one, and a DEC (i.e.,decrement) key 356 decrements the channel number of the selected channelby one.

Reference numeral 364 represents a COPY key for copying settings of theselected channel control section 300 to a copy buffer (predeterminedarea of the RAM 14). PASTE key 368 is operable to reflect settingsstored in the copy buffer in the selected channel control section 300 assettings of the selected channel. Group setting section 370 performs anoperation for including the selected channel in the DCA group or thelike, or excluding the selected channel from the DCA group or the like.Delay section 380 sets delay characteristics of a sound signal.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the selected channel control section 300also includes a compressor section 400, which sets an internalcompressor in the sound quality adjustment section 52 or 72 of theselected channel. Reference numeral 430 represents an equalizer section,which sets frequency characteristics of four bands, i.e. high frequencyband (HIGH), high medium frequency band (HIGH MID), low medium frequencyband (LOW MID) and low frequency band (LOW), in an equalizer of thesound quality adjustment section 52 or 72. Rotary encoder 438 sets acenter frequency of the high frequency band (HIGH), and the centerfrequency set by the rotary encoder 438 is displayed on a display 434.Rotary encoders 437 and 432 adjust a gain and Q value, respectively, atthe center frequency of the high frequency band (HIGH). Operated amountsof the rotary encoders 437 and 432 are indicated by LEDs arrangedcircularly around the rotary encoders 437 and 432. Similar operators anddisplays are also provided in relation to the high medium frequency band(HIGH MID), low medium frequency band (LOW MID) and low frequency band(LOW). High-pass filter setting section 480 makes settings for ahigh-pass filter to be applied to a sound signal.

3.5. Bus Operator Section 200:

Next, a detailed construction of the bus operator section 200 withreference to FIG. 6. In the bus operator section 200, either one of a“mix send mode” and “mix master mode” can be selected. The mix send modeis an operation mode for, when any of the input channels is a selectedchannel, controlling send levels, i.e. levels of signals to be suppliedfrom the input channel to a plurality of the MIX buses. For example, ifthe first input channel has been selected by the SEL key 516 of theinput channel strip section 500, then signal levels of a plurality ofthe send level adjustment sections 64-1-64-24 (see FIG. 4) etc. in thecorresponding input channel adjustment section 30-1 are adjusted in thebus operator section 200. The mix master mode is an operation mode foradjusting levels of the sound volume adjustment sections 76 etc. in theMIX output channel sections 36-1-36-24. Note that, when any of theoutput channels is a selected channel, only the mix master mode isselectable, i.e. the mix send mode is non-selectable. If the selectedchannel has been switched to any one of the MIX output channels whilethe mix send mode is selected, the bus operator section 200 is broughtto an operation mode where neither of the mix send mode and mix mastermode is selected, so that any operation on the bus operator section 200is invalidated.

The bus operator section 200 also includes a mix send key 202 and mixmaster key 204, each of which shifts the operation mode to either themix send mode or the mix master mode each time it is depressed. Each ofthe mix send key 202 and mix master key 204 has a built-in LED that isilluminated while the corresponding operation mode is being selected.Reference numerals 210-1-210-24 represent bus control sections, whichcorrespond to the MIX buses 32-1-32-24 in each of the operation modes.The bus control section 210-1 includes an ON key 216, rotary encoder218, CUE key 224 and SEL (i.e., selection) key 222. Note that the otherbus control sections 210-2-210-24 also include similar operators.Functions of these operators will be detailed in relation to thedifferent operation modes.

3.5.1. Mix Send Mode:

First, in the mix send mode, the bus control section 210-n (n is anarbitrary number in the range of 1-24) is associated with the MIX bus32-n, and the bus control sections 210-n functions as a group ofoperators for performing control related to signal supply from aselected channel (in this case, m-th input channel) to the MIX bus 32-n.In the instant mix send mode, the ON key 216 functions as a key forswitching, in a toggle-like manner, between ON and OFF states of thesignal supply from the m-th input channel to the MIX bus 32-n, i.e. ONand OFF states of the send ON/OFF switching section 66-n of the inputchannel adjustment section 30-m.

Further, in the mix send mode, the rotary encoder 218 functions as anoperator for adjusting the level of the send level adjustment section64-n in the input channel adjustment section 30-m. In this mode, the CUE224 does not function and is constantly kept in a deilluminated(non-illuminated) state. Further, the SEL key 222 functions in the samemanner as the MIX bus selection keys 109-1-109-24 provided in the busselection section 100, i.e. the SEL key 222 functions as a key forselecting a to-be-operated MIX bus in an interlocked relation to thecorresponding MIX bus selection key 109-n. However, the SEL key 222 isconstantly kept in a deilluminated state, and the selectedto-be-operated MIX bus is displayed only in the corresponding MIX busselection key 109-n.

3.5.2. Mix Master Mode:

In the mix master mode, the bus control section 210-k (k is an arbitrarynumber in the range of 1-24) is associated with the MIX output bus 36-k,and the bus control section 210-k functions as a group of operators forperforming control in the MIX output bus 36-k. In the instant mix mastermode, the ON key 216 functions as a key for switching, in a toggle-likemanner, between ON and OFF states of the entire MIX output bus 36-k,i.e. state of the ON/OFF switching section 74. The rotary encoder 218functions as an operator for adjusting levels of the sound volumeadjustment sections 76 in the MIX output channel sections 30-k.

Further, in the instant operation mode, the CUE key 224 functions as akey for switching, in a toggle-like manner, between ON and OFF states ofthe CUE ON/OFF switching section 80, i.e. determining whether or not thesound signal of the MIX output channel section 36-k should be to the CUEbus 34. The SEL key 222 functions as a key for setting the MIX outputchannel section 36-k as a selected channel (i.e., channel that will beoperated in the selected channel control section 300 etc.). As set forthabove, when any one of the MIX output channels is a selected channel,the operation mode of the bus operator section 200 can not be set to themix send mode.

Here, the operation mode of the CUE key 224 is selected between theLAST_CUE mode and the MIX_CUE mode. One of the important features of theinstant embodiment resides in behavior in the LAST_CUE mode. Namely,once the CUE key 224 is turned on in any of the bus control sections210-k while the output-CUE interlocking function and the LAST_CUE modeare ON, the SEL key 222 belonging to the bus control section 210-k isalso turned on in response to the turned-on CUE key 224. However, evenwhen any one of the SEL keys 222 been operated, the instant embodimentprevents the ON/OFF state of the CUE key 224 belonging to the same buscontrol section from being interlocked to the ON/OFF state of the CUEkey 224.

Primary reason why the instant embodiment employs such an arrangement issimilar to the reason stated above in relation to the operation of theSEL key 516 and CUE 526 in the input channel strip section 500. Namely,in most cases, the human operator turns on the CUE key 224 in any one ofthe bus control sections 210-k when he or she wants to adjusts the soundquality of the corresponding MIX output channel.

Thus, the instant embodiment is constructed so that, if, in such a case,the human operator only activates the CUE key 224, it simultaneouslychange a to-be-monitored channel selected via the CUE bus 34 and ato-be-operated channel in the selected channel control section 300 ingenerally the same manner as set forth above in relation to the inputchannel strip section 500, thereby reducing the operating labor of thehuman operator. Further, because the human operator may also sometimeswant to adjust a given MIX output channel in the selected channelcontrol section 300 while monitoring the overall sound quality andvolume, the instant embodiment prevents the CUE key 224 from beinginterlocked to the operation of the SEL key 222.

Another one of the important features of the instant embodiment residesin the following interlocking functions of the CUE 224 that operatesirrespective of whether the LAST_CUE mode or the MIX_CUE mode is ON.

Interlocking Function 1: As any one of the MIX bus selection keys 109-kis turned on while the bus-selection interlocking function is ON, theCUE ON/OFF switching section 80 of the MIX output channel section 36-kcorresponding to the MIX bus 32-k is turned on (i.e., interlocking CUEfunction, namely, CUE state set by the interlocking CUE selectionfunction, is turned on). If the bus operator section 200 is in the mixmaster mode at that time, the CUE key 224 belonging to the correspondingbus control section 210 is illuminated. As a modification ofInterlocking Function 1, when any one of the MIX bus selection keys109-k has been activated twice or a predetermined plurality of times insuccession, the interlocking CUE function may be set to the ON state.Because the interlocking CUE function is set to the ON state only whenthe MIX bus selection key 109-k has been intentionally activated twiceor a predetermined plurality of times in succession, it is possible tominimize operational errors.

Interlocking Function 2: If the existing CUE function (i.e., CUE stateset by the existing CUE selection function) of any one of the inputchannels or MIX output channels is already ON when the MIX bus selectionkey 109-k has been turned on, the existing CUE function is temporarilycanceled; instead, the interlocking CUE function of the MIX outputchannel section 36-k is turned on. Further, once another MIX busselection key 109-j is turned on under such condition, the lastinterlocking CUE function is canceled; instead, the interlocking CUEfunction of the MIX bus output channel section 36-j is turned on.

Interlocking Function 3: Once the MIX bus selection key 109-k of theto-be-operated MIX bus is turned off while the interlocking CUE functionis ON, the current interlocking CUE function is canceled. If theexisting CUE function has been temporarily canceled at the time ofinitiation of the interlocking CUE function, the temporarily-canceledexisting CUE function is restored.

Interlocking Function 4: When any one of the CUE keys 526 and 224 of theinput channels and MIX output channels has been turned on while theinterlocking CUE function is ON, the interlocking CUE function iscanceled and only the CUE function corresponding to the turned-on CUEkey is turned on.

The following paragraphs explain reasons why the above interlockingfunctions are employed.

As regards Interlocking Function 1:

When monitoring signals to be returned to performers in a concert orradio or TV program, human operators in the conventional mixing systemshad to operate a MIX bus selection key (109-k) to select, as ato-be-operated MIX bus, a MIX bus (32-k) mixing the monitoring signalsand then operate a CUE key (224) in a bus control section (210-k)corresponding to the to-be-operated MIX bus. The mixing systemconstructed according to the instant embodiment of the preventinvention, however, can simultaneously designate the to-be-operated MIXbus and set the interlocking CUE function, by just turning on thebus-selection interlocking function.

As regards Interlocking Function 2:

Even if designation of a CUE signal has already been made in theLAST_CUE mode or MIX_CUE mode when Interlocking Function 1 is to beperformed, Interlocking Function 2 can cancel the existing CUE functionin response to turning-on of the MIX bus selection key 109-k and therebyset an independent interlocking CUE key for the to-be-operated MIX bus.

As regards Interlocking Function 3:

When the MIX bus selection key 109-k has been turned off, theinterlocking CUE function is canceled, and the CUE state immediatelybefore execution of the interlocking CUE function is restored. Thus,even when a request for adjusting the monitoring signals is received asan interrupt while the human operator is doing ordinary work,Interlocking Function 3 can promptly resume the work after completion ofthe monitoring signal adjustment. Because such a monitoring signaladjustment request is temporary and occurs on an irregular basis, thisfunction can promptly switch between the monitoring signal adjustmentand the ordinary work, thereby greatly reducing the labor of the humanoperator.

As regards Interlocking Function 4:

By the human operator operating the CUE key 526 or 224 of any one of theinput channels or MIX output channels, Interlocking Function 4 can set anew CUE state. Further, because each of the CUE keys 526 and 224operates in a toggle-like manner, the interlocking function can cancelthe new CUE state to set a state where all the CUE functions arecanceled, in response to human operator's successive operation of thesame CUE key.

3.5.3. Relationship Between Bus Operator Section 200 and Other Sections:

In the bus operator section 200, the bus control sections 210-1-210-24are arranged in eight vertical rows and three horizontal rows. Namely,the bus control sections 210-1-210-8 are sequentially arranged in thefirst (i.e., uppermost horizontal) row, the bus control sections210-9-210-16 are sequentially arranged in the second horizontal row, andthe bus control sections 210-17-210-24 are sequentially arranged in thethird (lowermost horizontal) row. With such an arrangement, the humanoperator can identify, with utmost ease, the bus control section210-1-210-24 corresponding to any one of the input channels or MIX busesto be adjusted.

The above-described embodiment is also characterized in that the busselection section 100, bus operator sections 200, selected channelcontrol section 300 and display 720 are sequentially arranged in aleft-to-right direction in parallel to the input channel strip section500. When settings for the limiter process etc. are made in the selectedchannel control section 300, a graph showing characteristics being setis displayed on the display 720 located adjacent to the selected channelcontrol section 300. Thus, the human operator can set characteristicswhile readily viewing relationship between respective operatingpositions of the various operators in the selected channel controlsection 300 and the graph of the characteristics being set. Becausesettings to be made in the bus operator sections 200 concern gains etc.,there is little need to visually compare contents of a given graph andoperational contents of the bus operator sections 200. Therefore, nosignificant inconvenience will occur even where the bus operatorsections 200 and the display 720 are separated from each other by arelatively great distance.

In the conventional mixing systems, such as the one disclosed in thenon-patent document, “CSID Control Surface Instruction Manual”,published by Yamaha Corporation, December, 2000, where the selectedchannel control section (300) includes a group of operators not relatedto displayed information on the display (720), i.e. group of operatorsfor setting send levels to a plurality of MIX buses, the selectedchannel control section (300) tends to be very hard to use andmanipulate due to a great number of the operators provided therein.Further, according to the technique disclosed in the non-patentdocument, there are provided separate selected channel control sectionsfor input channels and for MIX output channels, which results in afurther increased number of the operators.

By contrast, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention,the operator group, which used to be included in the selected channelcontrol section (300) in the conventional mixing systems, is provided asthe bus operator sections 200 independently of the selected channelcontrol section 300, and such bus operator sections 200 are locatedadjacent to the selected channel control section 300 remotely from thedisplay 720. Thus, the human operator can readily recognize thepositions of the operators, and distances over which his or herobserving points should move can be reduced effectively.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the operation mode switchingfeature allows the bus operator sections 200 to be shared between“control of signals to be sent from a single selected channel to aplurality of MIX buses” and “control of signals to be sent from aplurality of MIX output channels corresponding to the MIX buses”. Thus,in the instant embodiment, the number of the operators can be reduced toa considerable degree, which can even further enhance the operability.In addition, the above-mentioned two types of signal control eachcorrespond to the MIX buses 32-1-32-24, and the bus control section210-k corresponding to a given MIX bus 32-k is constant irrespective ofthe operation mode selected. Therefore, according to the instantembodiment, there can be achieved the particular benefit that thecorrespondency between the MIX buses and the operators is clear and easyto recognize, even though a plurality of functions corresponding tovarious operational modes are assigned to the same operators.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the operators of the busoperator section 200, corresponding to the MIX buses, are arranged ineight vertical rows and three horizontal rows. Such an arrangement ofthe bus operators is just the same as an arrangement of the MIX busselection keys 109-1-109-24 of the bus selection section 100 which areprovided for switching the functions of the rotary encoder 514 etc. ofthe input channel strip section 500. Therefore, when the human operatoroperates the bus selection section 100 after operating the bus operatorsection 200 or operates the bus operator section 200 after operating thebus selection section 100, he or she can readily visually recognize thecorrespondency between the individual operators and the MIX buses.Further, when the operation mode of the bus operator section 200 is themix send mode, the SEL key 222 in the bus operator section 200 canperform the same functions as the MIX bus selection keys 109-1-109-24 inthe bus selection section 100. Thus, for example, when the adjustment ofsend levels from a single selected channel of the bus operator section200 to a plurality of the MIX buses and the adjustment of send levels toa single MIX bus by the rotary encoder 514 of the input channel stripsection 500 are to be carried out in an alternate fashion, the instantembodiment can achieve enhanced operability.

4. Behavior of the Embodiment

4.1. General Behavior:

The following paragraphs describe general behavior of the embodiment ofthe mixing system.

First, when an operation event of any one of the operators, such as theelectric faders, rotary encoders and keys, has occurred in the mixingsystem, a routine corresponding to the meaning of the operation event isstarted up. Specifically, when there has occurred an operation eventconcerning ordinary sound volume/quality adjustment other than specialoperation events concerning reproduction of a scene etc., an operationevent routine of FIG. 11 is started up.

At step SP2 of the operation event routine of FIG. 11, the storedcontents in the current areas including the current scene area 14 a areupdated on the basis of the meaning of the operation event. For example,when any one of the electric faders or rotary encoders, control data(e.g., level data, frequency data etc.) corresponding an operated amountare stored into corresponding locations of the current area. When anyone of the keys has been operated, the current ON/OFF state etc. of theoperated key is stored. At next step SP4, various parameters in themixing algorithm (see FIGS. 3 and 4), i.e. stored contents of variousparameter registers provided in the signal processing section 6, areupdated on the basis of current stored contents of the current area.

At next step SP6, various settings on the operation panel 2 are executedon the basis of the updated contents of the current area. For example,illumination/deillumination of the LED within the key,illumination/deillumination of the LEDs around the rotary encoder,changes in the displayed contents of the various displays, driving ofthe electric fader, and/or the like is executed. Processes related tothe three interlocking functions, i.e. input-CUE interlocking function,output-CUE interlocking function and bus-selection interlockingfunction, in the embodiment of the mixing system are all carried out atstep SP2. Namely, at step SP2, the control data currently stored in thecurrent area in association with the operated operator are updated onthe basis of the operational meaning of the operated operator, and adetermination is made as to whether or not the responding orinterlocking function pertaining to the operated operator is now in theON state or not. If the interlocking function pertaining to the operatedoperator is now in the ON state, control data of one or more otheroperators that should be interlocked in accordance with the interlockingfunction are also updated.

4.2. Specific Behavior:

The following paragraphs specifically describe a typical example ofbehavior of the instant embodiment.

Let it be assumed that the second MIX output channel is assigned tosignal motoring of a given performer on a stage, and that there has beenmade a request regarding the monitoring signal that “the overall soundvolume be raised with a percussion sound lowered in volume”. The humanoperator performs the following operation in order to meet the request.

First, once the human operator depresses the mix master key 204 in thebus operator section 200, the operation mode of the bus operator section200 is set to the mix master mode, and current settings of the MIXoutput channel 36-k are reflected in each of the bus control section210-k. Namely, illumination states of the LEDs around the rotary encoder218 in each of the bus control sections 210-k is set in accordance witha gain set in the sound volume adjustment section 76 (FIG. 4) of each ofthe MIX output channel sections 36-k.

Then, when the human operator has turned on the MIX bus selection key109-2 in the bus selection section 100, the second MIX output channelcorresponding to the MIX bus selection key 109-2 is selected as ato-be-operated MIX bus. If the bus-selection interlocking function is ONat that time, the CUE ON/OFF switching section 80 in the MIX outputchannel section 36-2 is automatically set to the ON state as aninterlocking CUE. Namely, the monitoring signal of the second MIX outputchannel is audibly reproduced through headphones or monitoring speaker.

If the operation mode of the bus operator section 200 is currently setin the mix master mode, the CUE key 224 of the bus control section 210-2is also automatically set to an illuminated state. The CUE stateimmediately before the interlocking CUE was set is stored temporarilystored in a predetermined region of the RAM 14. Thus, because the secondMIX output channel has been selected as the to-be-operated MIX bus, thecurrent send level from each of the input channels to the second MIXoutput channel is reflected in the rotary encoder 514 included in eachof the channel strips 510-1-510-2, if the operation mode of the inputchannel strip section 500 is the normal mode.

Thus, the human operator can adjust the sound volume of the second MIXoutput channel by operating the rotary encoder 218 of the bus controlsection 210-2 corresponding to the second MIX output channel. Also, byoperating the rotary encoder 514 of any of the input channels whichpertains to a “percussion”, the human operator can lower the send levelof the “percussion”. Because the CUE ON/OFF switching section 80 in theMIX output channel section 36-2 has been automatically set in the ONstate, the human operator can perform these operation while actuallylistening to monitoring sounds of the second MIX output channel.

Once the human operator again depresses the MIX bus selection key 109-2(i.e., turns off the MIX bus selection key 109-2) after completion ofthe setting of the second MIX output channel, the CUE state immediatelybefore the setting of the interlocking CUE state is read out from thepredetermined region of the RAM 14 and reproduced on the operation panel2. In this way, the human operator can promptly proceed with theadjustment etc. that were being performed previously.

5. Modifications

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodimentand may be modified variously as set forth below by way of example.

-   -   (1) The above-described embodiment of the mixing system is        constructed to be controlled in accordance with programs        executed by the CPU 10. Only such programs may be stored in a        recording medium, such as a CD-ROM or flexible disk, and        distributed in the recording medium, or distributed through a        communication path.    -   (2) Further, in the above-described embodiment, the bus control        sections 210-1-210-24 are arranged in eight vertical rows and        three horizontal rows. However, the bus control sections        210-1-210-24 may be arranged in any other suitable manner. For        example, the bus control sections may be arranged in “P”        horizontal rows and “Q” vertical rows (i.e., P×Q bus control        sections), where “P” and “Q” are each an arbitrary natural        number greater than one. Further, if “P” and “Q” are each set to        an arbitrary natural number greater than two, the overall        configuration of the arranged bus control sections can be closer        to a square, which is even more preferable. Similarly, whereas        the MIX bus selection keys 109-1-109-24 in the bus selection        section 100 have been described above as arranged in eight        vertical rows and three horizontal rows, they may be arranged in        any other suitable manner. For example, the MIX bus selection        keys may be arranged in “R” horizontal rows and “S” vertical        rows (i.e., R×S MIX bus selection keys), where “P” and “Q” are        each an arbitrary natural number greater than one. Further, if        “P” and “Q” are each set to an arbitrary natural number greater        than two, the overall configuration of the arranged MIX bus        selection keys can be closer to a square, which is even more        preferable.    -   (3) In the above-described embodiment, the CUE key 526 is        prevented from being interlocked to operation of the SEL key 516        and the CUE key 224 is prevented from being interlocked to        operation of the SEL key 222, in view of a situation where the        human operator wants to adjust a given MIX output channel in the        selected channel control section 300. However, depending on a        state of use of the mixing system, it is sometimes preferable        that these CUE keys be interlocked to the operation of the SEL        keys, and thus the CUE keys may be constructed to be so        interlocked.    -   (4) According to the bus-selection interlocking function in the        above-described embodiment, the ON/OFF switching section 80 in        the MIX output channel section 36-k is interlocked to both of ON        and OFF operation of the MIX bus selection key 109-k. In an        alternative, the ON/OFF switching section 80 may be interlocked        to only the ON operation, not to the OFF operation, of the MIX        bus selection key 109-k.    -   (5) Further, in the above-described embodiment, the various        components of the mixing system are controlled in accordance        with the programs stored in the flash memory 12. In an        alternative, only such programs may be stored in a recording        medium, such as a CD-ROM or flexible disk, and distributed in        the recording medium, or distributed through a communication        path.

In summary, the present invention is characterized in that, as viewedfrom the front of the operation panel, the display, selected channelcontrol section and delivery control section are arranged on theoperation panel in a row behind the input channel section in the ordermentioned and in that the operation of the transmission control sectionis switched depending on the selected operation mode. Thus, it ispossible to efficiently set mixing states of multi-channel signals.

Further, in the present invention, once a given MIX bus is selectedduring a setting channel selection step, a signal of an output channelcorresponding to the given MIX bus is selected as a monitoring signal inresponse to the bus selection, and a to-be-adjusted channel isautomatically selected in the selected channel control section in aninterlocked manner to a motoring channel selection step. Thus, it ispossible to efficiently set mixing states of multi-channel signals.

1. A mixing system comprising: a plurality of input channels; a mixingbus configured to mix sound signals to be supplied from the plurality ofinput channels with respective send levels of the sound signalscontrolled individually; a channel selection manual-operator operable bya user to select one of the input channels as a selected input channel;and an ON/OFF switching manual-operator operable by the user to switchbetween on and off of supplying of the sound signal from the selectedinput channel to the mixing bus.
 2. The mixing system as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising: another mixing bus configured to mix soundsignals to be supplied from the plurality of input channels withrespective send levels of the sound signals controlled individually; andanother ON/OFF switching manual-operator operable by the user to switchbetween on and off of supplying of the sound signal from the selectedinput channel to the another mixing bus.
 3. The mixing system as claimedin claim 1, further comprising: a mode selection manual-operatoroperable by the user to select one of a first operation mode and asecond operation mode, and wherein, when the first operation mode isselected via the mode selection manual-operator, the ON/OFF switchingmanual-operator is operable to switch between on and off of supplying ofthe sound signal from the selected input channel to the mixing bus,wherein, when the second operation mode is selected via the modeselection manual-operator, the ON/OFF switching manual-operator isoperable to switch between on and off of outputting of a sound signalfrom the mixing bus.
 4. The mixing system as claimed in claim 2, furthercomprising: a mode selection manual-operator operable by the user toselect one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode, andwherein, when the first operation mode is selected via the modeselection manual-operator, each of the ON/OFF switching operators isoperable to switch between on and off of supplying of the sound signalfrom the selected input channel to its corresponding mixing bus,wherein, when the second operation mode is selected via the modeselection manual-operator, each of the ON/OFF switching manual-operatorsis operable to switch between on and off of outputting of a sound signalfrom its corresponding mixing bus.
 5. A method of operating a mixingsystem, the mixing system including: a plurality of input channels; amixing bus configured to mix sound signals to be supplied from theplurality of input channels with respective send levels of the soundsignals controlled individually; a channel selection manual-operatoroperable by a user to select one of the input channels as a selectedinput channel; and an ON/OFF switching manual-operator operable by theuser, the method comprising: in response to an operation of the ON/OFFswitching manual-operator, switching between on and off of supplying ofthe sound signal from the selected input channel to the mixing bus. 6.The method of operating a mixing system as claimed in claim 5, whereinthe mixing system includes another mixing bus configured to mix soundsignals to be supplied from the plurality of input channels withrespective send levels of the sound signals controlled individually, andanother ON/OFF switching manual-operator operable by the user to switchbetween on and off of supplying of the sound signal from the selectedinput channel to the another mixing bus.
 7. The method operating amixing system as claimed in claim 5, further comprising: selecting oneof a first operation mode and a second operation mode, and switching,when the second operation mode is selected, between on and off ofoutputting of a sound signal from the mixing bus in response to anoperation of the ON/OFF switching manual-operator, and wherein theswitching between on and off of the supplying of the sound signal fromthe selected input channel to the mixing bus is performed when the firstoperation mode is selected.
 8. The method operating a mixing system asclaimed in claim 6, further comprising: selecting one of a firstoperation mode and a second operation mode, and switching, when thesecond operation mode is selected, between on and off of outputting of asound signal from one of the mixing buses in response to an operation ofthe corresponding ON/OFF manual-switching operator, and wherein theswitching between on and off of the supplying of the sound signal fromthe selected input channel to one of the mixing buses is performed, inresponse to an operation of the corresponding ON/OFF switchingmanual-operator, when the first operation mode is selected.